Lever and linkage: column shiftRecall 78V-144 · Ford and Mercury vehicles
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 78V-144 covers 358 Ford and Mercury vehicles for a lever and linkage: column shift problem, reported to NHTSA on June 19, 1978.
Source: NHTSA recall 78V144000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL RODS WERE INSTALLED THAT WERE INTENDED FOR USE WITH THE STEERING COLUMNS OF A PRIOR DESIGN LEVEL. ATTACHMENT OF THE SHIFT CONTROL ROD WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT LEVER GROMMET WILL ALLOW RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THESE PARTS. CONTINUED USAGE COULD RESULT IN GROMMET WEAR AND DETERIORATION OF THE SHIFT CONTROL FUNCTION, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR STARTING IN GEAR OR AN INABILITY TO ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.
The fix
DRIVER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE PARTS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONSAND STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT CONTROLS.SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION; SHIFT LINKAGE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKINGBRAKE, IT COULD ROLL FREE, CAUSING INJURY AND DAMAGE TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY INITS PATH.NOTE: SINCE THE VEHICLE MAY INADVERTENTLY BE STARTED IN GEAR, THE PARKING BRAKESHOULD BE FIRMLY APPLIED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, PRIOR TO CORRECTION OF THEPROBLEM.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from June 1, 1978 to June 1, 1978. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.